Henry "Hank" Vannett

Henry “Hank” Vannett, 95, Bismarck, passed away December 2, 2025. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 8 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 609 N 34th St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 4 p.m.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Henry M. Vannett was born to Cicero and Alma (Nelson) Vannett in Minot on March 1, 1930. He was raised and educated in Minot, later obtaining his G.E.D.

He was previously married to Delores Mogard and to this union, four children were born: Gary, Cheryl, Gerald and Rodney.

For 25 years, Hank worked at Bismarck Junior College as an Autobody Instructor. He made a lasting impact on students, many of which came up to him and his family later in life and expressed their gratitude for the impact Hank had on them. He was truly gifted in his ability to fix and remodel vehicles. At one time in his career, Hank along with his students built a vehicle from two old Fords that consisted of only the front ends joined together. This vehicle could be driven by either side of the vehicle. At one point, this vehicle was displayed at Klairmont Kollections museum in Chicago. Once the museum found out that Hank was the mastermind behind this vehicle, they invited him and his family down to see the vehicle again in person.

Hank’s mind had a wonderful way of turning complex projects into amazing pieces, and he could often be found tinkering in his shop. His workshop was not just a place filled with tools and country music; it was place for his visions to come to life. From crafted tables, clocks, and detailed wagons, each creation showcased his talent and passion for craftsmanship.

On August 30, 1957 Hank married Loretta Benjamin in Minot. Together they raised four children: Rick, Susan, Kevin and Diane. They shared many adventures together over the years, including when Hank was the Wagon Master for the North Dakota Centennial Wagon Train that traveled from Fargo, Minot and Bismarck with stops in small towns along the way. They were baseball rivalries – Hank was a Yankees fan and Loretta was a Twins fan! They made many bets over the years when the teams would go head-to-head (Loretta often won her side of the bets).

Hank was a kind, loving man who would help anyone in need. His family will remember him as a fun, easy going person who loved to tell stories. He always had mules that he took care of and would frequently give hay rides and sleigh rides with them.

Hank is survived by his children, Gary Vannett, Cheryl “Sheri” Colby, Rick Vannett, Susan Vannett, and Diane (Paul) Nieuwsma; daughter-in-law, Patricia Vannett; grandchildren and their families: Tami (Duane) Foreid and their children, Kayla and her son Jordan, Duane Jr., Michael, Samantha, and Sara Foreid; Tommy (Melia) and their children, Ellis and Kase Shaw; Teri (Andy) Theil and his children, Kayleah Dosch and Addison Thiel; Joey Vannett; Michael Vannett and his children, Emma Vannett and Gavin Vannett; Lisa Vannett and her son, Brian; Amanda (Con) Enget; Henry Clay Vannett; Amanda (Dustin) Morken, and their children, Emily, Owen, Adam and Harrison; Robert “Bobby” (Debbi) Bauslaugh, and their children, Bently and Hannah; Trevor Vannett; Matthew (Keyera) Vannett and their son Bodie; and Nicole Patrick, and her children, Tjaden, Jazmyn (fiancé, John Bednarcik), JayLynn and Jaxon Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; sons, Rodney, Gerald and Kevin; sons-in-law, James Lauber and Robert Bauslaugh; grandson, Troy Shaw; and siblings, Carl Vannett, Robert Vannett, Lillian Vannett, Opal Lautt and Wayne Vannett.